SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush praised the U.S. relationship with South Korea on Wednesday and said the two nations should continue to work together to eliminate threats from North Korea.

President George W. Bush and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak attend a joint press conference in Seoul.

Bush spoke during a news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The stop in South Korea is part of Bush's weeklong Asian tour.

"Our relationship is important vital and I believe it is strong," Bush said.

Bush said he was still concerned about North Korea and said the country has a long way to go before it is taken off his "axis of evil list" as well as removing it from a list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

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